Nursing pads
Medela Disposable Nursing Pads
Our take
Absorbent, cupped disposables that Babylist suggests for larger breasts. BabyGearLab found them bulkier and less absorbent than Lansinoh, with the lowest eco score in its test.
Polyethylene and polypropylene (Ultra Thin)Waterproof back layerSlightly cupped, oblong shape
Consider instead: Lansinoh Stay Dry for a thinner, more absorbent pad.
Before you buy
Do you need it?Nice to have Leaking is common in the early weeks. Keep a few on hand and see whether you need them.
What parents and testers say
Recurring praise
- Good leak protection (BabyGearLab)
- Shape suits larger breasts (Babylist)
- Cheap
Recurring complaints
- Bulky; shows under an unpadded bra
- Adhesive is inconsistent: weak in one test, too sticky in another
- Lowest eco-health score in BabyGearLab's test
Our summary of patterns across the reviews and threads linked below, not quotes.
Materials & safety check
1 of 1 checks clear.
MaterialsPolyethylene and polypropylene with an absorbent core, per The Bump
When to buy it
Registry
Add these to your own list: they're for you, not the baby
By 36 weeks
Pack recovery basics in your hospital bag
First weeks
Restock what you actually use
Other nursing pads we scored
See all nursing pads →Own this? Tell us how it's going
Reports from parents who've used a product for months are the hardest thing to find. Yours goes only to our team and helps keep this score honest. It isn't published.
Sources
- BabyGearLab: Best nursing pads, tested and rankedbabygearlab.com
- Babylist: Best nursing pads of 2026babylist.com
- The Bump: 9 best nursing pads for breastfeeding momsthebump.com